Doctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on a new study out of the University of Hong Kong, finding that tai chi can be an effective alternative method to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, including the loss of coordination and social functioning.

As the article “Try This Ancient ‘Art’ for a Healthy Brain” reports, researchers at the University of Hong Kong tested the therapeutic martial art tai chi on patients suffering from schizophrenia. The researchers noted that patients with schizophrenia residing at institutions often suffer from negative symptoms in excess of what those who live at home do. In particular, they have trouble with movement coordination and social interaction.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article explains that the researchers found 30 Chinese patients with schizophrenia who were residing in a rehab residency. Each was assigned to receive either a six-week tai chi program and standard residential care, or only the latter. The researchers assessed movement coordination, negative symptoms, and functional disabilities at baseline, following intervention, and six weeks after intervention.

The article notes that according to the research team, the tai chi group was buffered from deteriorations in movement coordination and interpersonal functioning for six weeks after the intervention. In contrast, the controls showed marked deteriorations in those areas. The tai chi group also experienced fewer disruptions to life activities at the six-week mark.

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin concludes, tai chi has been proven to help with the challenging symptoms of schizophrenia. But for those who are suffering from much milder symptoms of depression or anxiety, tai chi may just be their ticket to improved mental health and soothing stress relief.

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